Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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403. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if there is a delay in the Garda vetting process. [30060/20]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that vetting applications are an operational matter for An Garda Síochána. Neither I, as Minister, nor my Department have any role in the processing of individual vetting applications.

I would emphasise to the Deputy that the primary purpose of the employment vetting carried out by the National Vetting Bureau is to seek to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. It is carried out by An Garda Síochána in accordance with the provisions of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012-2016. I am sure that the Deputy will appreciate the importance of this task and the need for it to be carried out thoroughly and correctly.

I am informed by An Garda Síochána that there are no backlogs or delays in Garda Vetting. The current turnaround time for vetting applications submitted by organisations utilising the eVetting system is 3-5 working days for over 85% of applications received.

All Garda vetting applications are processed on a first come, first serve basis in chronological order from date of receipt. This is with a view to observing equity and fairness in respect of all vetting subjects. Processing times fluctuate upwards and downwards depending on seasonal demands and volumes received.

In a number of instances, it is necessary to conduct enquiries with external Garda Stations and Agencies such as the Courts Service, Probation Service, Child and Family Agency, etc. These enquiries are conducted for a multiplicity of reasons such as verification of identity; updating of incomplete records; and establishing outcomes of investigations. In such instances processing times are significantly longer than the general average.

Individual applicants can track the process of their application online using the eVetting Tracking System, details of which are contained in the email received by applicants when completing their application online. Further details on this facility are also outlined on the An Garda Síochána website, vetting.garda.ie.